City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

4.0 4.1

ECONOMIC SECTOR General After four decades of rapid urbanization in Metropolitan Manila, Pasay City has transformed into an important local corridor between major urban centers. Its southwestern portion provides access between the city of Manila in the north with cities and municipalities like Parañaque, Las Piñas as well as the nearby municipalities in Cavite in the south. Likewise, its southeastern portion links Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Laguna with the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong as well as Quezon City. In other words, Pasay City is a facilitator of trade among its neighboring LGUs. The city also serves as an international gateway not just to Metro Manila but the whole Philippines with the existence of both the domestic and international airports within its jurisdiction. The popularity of the Baclaran Church in nearby Parañaque City has not only created a religious devotion but has also intensified commercial activity that has overflowed into Pasay City. This has brought about benefits to Pasay City in the form of employment and more livelihood opportunities, a more robust local economy, and a rise in property values. These benefits, however, are not without its attendant urban problems of vehicular traffic congestion, blight, breakdown of services, and an increase of urban poor dependent on the thriving economic activities. Complementing Pasay City’s strategic location is its relatively flat terrain, which has the capacity to absorb a large population and intense commercial enterprises. Another feature that could work to its advantage is its western coastline that could be expanded through reclamation. In fact, a large portion of the city is already made up of reclaimed lands where prominent landmarks and national government offices are now established. Policy actions of neighboring LGUs are known to affect the city’s economy. The apparent rise in business tax collections of the city government, for example, was the result of the campaign by the Parañque City government against Baclaran vendors who reacted by merely crossing the boundary into Pasay City. Likewise, the city has benefited from the transfer of local investors who were discouraged by Makati City’s ordinance that increased the rate of local taxes on business enterprises. On the other hand, the rising crime index that has discouraged Pasay City’s legitimate investors was a direct result of criminal elements moving into the city when Manila launched its intensive campaign against drugs and other criminal activities. As a whole, Pasay City has the basic fundamentals that could sustain its economic machinery. It has highly educated and skilled manpower as well as managers; adequate supply of electricity and water; excellent access provided by light rail transit systems, excellent communication facilities, road networks and airports; and some land for expansion.

4.2

The Political Economy of Pasay City. As an international gateway and a transport corridor, Pasay City shares in the administrative supervision of strategic roads such as Roxas Boulevard, Harrison

City Planning and Development Office

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The Official Website of Pasay City www.pasay.gov.ph

Most of those employed worked for various enterprises. There was also a significant number of those working which were considered self-employed.pasay. to take alternative routes.
4. Pasay City holds the visitors’ first and last impression that is crucial to the Philippines’ business and industries. especially the tourism industry. recreation services.5% of its total labor force gainfully employed. fishing. Pasay City had an estimated labor force of 291. The city is like a corporate enterprise that needs to be sustained. In Pasay City. professional services. As an international gateway. It has to compete for investment for it to generate tax revenues. particularly those going to the airports. Labor productivity among offices in the cities of Manila and Makati shall somehow decrease because of the workers’ extended travel. The recent trend towards a global-oriented economy had various impacts in the Philippines as the system promoted consumerism that created a demand for service-oriented industries. such service industries took the form of financial services. This shall also affect the earnings of people driving public conveyances who shall be discouraged to ply their route in the area.gov. commercial garages.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
Road and Taft Avenue on the southwest and EDSA (C-4) which runs from east to west. With its strategically located reclaimed properties along its western coastline.800 representing 80. the city could be competitive with its progressive neighboring LGUs. The demand for space and the subsequent invasion of creeks and rivers by informal settlers has eased out vegetable farming. medical services. create livelihood and provide employment to its legitimate residents. retail and general merchandising. The efficiency of the city could be adversely affected should vehicular traffic in Pasay City be left unattended. The rising population and the growing demand for their immediate needs have caused too much pressure on land and the surrounding environment. The City is host to the domestic and the international airports.
4. corporate firms and government agencies. In spite of its highly urbanized character as evidenced by its numerous service enterprises. These linkages facilitate economic interdependence. public terminals. Transportation costs of students from the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas as well as those from Cavite who study in Manila shall likewise increase.4
The Leading Industries of Pasay City Pasay City’s rapid urbanization has seen the decline of traditional industries and their replacement with more service-oriented types of livelihood and industries. Such unfavorable conditions have already occurred when the construction of Metro Rail Transit facility in EDSA permanently diverted the traffic flow that forced the motorists and travelers.3
Labor Force and Employment In 2000. livestock raising and the culture of marine products.4% of the population. as they shall be forced to take longer routes going to and from their schools. personal
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. Pasay City had only 84.ph
. which shortens their working hours.

This sector was dominated by retail and general merchandising with1.461
Source : Pasay City Business Permits and License Division
Percent to Total 56.0% 2. food chains.ph
.
Table 4.1% 2. the general merchandising and retail sector had the biggest share with a total of 4. 2000 Business Classification Number General Merchandising and Retail 4. security and labor recruitment. dealership and leasing.0% 1. and light manufacturing.2 Profile of General Merchandising and Retail in Pasay City.6% 3.4% 100.394 Utility Services 762 Financial Services 462 Rest and Recreational Business Services 339 Personal Services 258 Allied Medical Services 209 Manufacturing/Fabrication 168 Public Terminals and Commercial Garage 41 Private Learning Institutions 36 Total 8.0% 3.5% 3.0%
4.2
Professional Services
Professional Services had the second biggest share in the type of industries in Pasay City with 1.792
41.4. In 2000. utility services.5% 9. This consisted of 385 private agencies engaged in travel. 2000
General Merchandising And Retail Sector Number of Establishments Percent of Sector Total Percent of Industry Total
General Merchandise & Retail Sari-sari Stores Food Chain Outlets Dealer/Trading and Marketing Export/Import Restaurants/ Fastfoods Bakeshops Sector Total
1.792 Professional Services 1.pasay.9% 56.2% 5. 668 establishments in land development.5% 0.
Table 4.1% 0.394.8% 3.5% 2. The others were dealer/trading marketing.346 522 458 180 166 156 4.964 and sari-sari stores with 1.964 1. and 186 repair shops.7%
Source: Pasay City Business Permits and License Division
The numbers presented above may even be more as inspections by the city government often reveal that there are several micro-enterprises operating without business licenses.2% 15.792 enterprises. 155 general contractors.gov.4.9% 6.1.0% 5. bakeshops and those engaged in export activities.4% 4.1
General Merchandising and Retail
Of the numerous industries recorded in 2000.461 enterprises were registered in the city. a total 8.1 Classification of Industries in Pasay City. See Table 4.0%
23.
4.6% 16.4% 2.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
services.346.
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www.2% 100.0% 10.0% 28. restaurants / fastfoods.9% 9.

San Juan de Dios Hospital. and 232 insurance agencies and holdings. 105 pawnshops. Micro entrepreneurs. and 231 that were either gasoline stations. There were also 86 operating as non-stock and non-profit institutions. Money-changers cater to people and tourists who have foreign denominations while pawnshops lend money to people who have valuable property but lack the cash. are not afforded the same service and are forced to resort to underground financing that charge as high as 20% for a 60-day period. Inc.
4. There were also seven theaters in 2000.7
Allied Medical Services
There were 203 drug stores and optical clinics registered in 2000.4.4. 29 money-changers.
4. The other four (4) enterprises were registered as lodging houses.gov. Of this total. and the branch office of PLDT. Banks cater to savers and entrepreneurs in need of capital for their enterprises. The others were six (6) private hospitals.4. on the other hand.6
Personal Services
Of the 258 enterprises under Personal Services. the Maynilad Waterworks.
4. there were 78 banks.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
4. the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital. 184 forwarders and brokerage firms.. While 22 were generally classified
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. Miraculous Medical Hospital.4. about 254 were beauty parlors operating mostly on the easements of major and interior roads.4
Financial Services
Of the 462 establishments offering financial services in Pasay City in 2000. 18 lending investors. The city had 20 high-end hotels and another 22 less luxurious lodging facilities. 168 were amusement centers and 122 were karaoke bars.5 Rest and Recreational Business Services
Businesses related to rest and recreation were also prevalent economic activities in Pasay City.3
Utility Services
The 762 enterprises engaged in providing utility services included 258 firms providing general services.
4.4. funeral parlors or warehouses. 4. namely.pasay.4. Included in this category are the Manila Electric Company. Balbido’s Clinical Laboratory and Pasay. There were about 339 business services that were classified as rest and recreation in 2000.8
Manufacturing/ Fabrication
The 168 enterprises listed under the manufacturing/ fabrication category were as varied as the retail and general merchandising. nightclubs and discos.ph
.Parañaque Chest Clinic. Pasay Doctors Polyclinic.

gov. they are of course managed and owned by private investors expecting returns on their investments. Aside from public land transportation terminals.ph
. Some of them are identified and their roles in development are discussed below:
4. the city is also host to two rail transit terminals operated by Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit. which could otherwise have been good locations for commercial uses.pasay. such as metal and steel fabrication. Like the bigger public utility vehicles.4. three were private colleges. The city government has allowed 15 terminals for the operation of tricycles and pedicabs. It was learned that many of the bus companies have committed violations against local government regulations. There were also nine (9) commercial garages being used as terminals.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
as food manufacturers. The first concern is the lack of parking space and spaces for pedestrians as sidewalks have been taken over by vendors.10 Private Learning Institutions While private learning institutions perform a public function.
4.9
Public Terminals and Commercial Garages
There were 15 bus terminals observed in the city. The illegal dwellers have also
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. Of the 36 private learning institutions. These informal settlers have contributed to urban blight in places. It was learned that private investors have four concerns in their operations. many of which are situated in the major thoroughfares such as EDSA or circumferential Road 4. The remaining 14 schools cater to primary and secondary education including the pre-school institutions.1
Private Investors
Private investments are the lifeblood of the city’s economy. spare parts. Another concern is the inefficient solid waste management system that would support business operations. In addition.5. cutlery.4.
4. dress shops and tailoring shops. the rest were engaged in different crafts.500 tricycles providing shortdistance travel to residents along the city’s inner sections as well as in the secondary and tertiary roads. it was estimated that there were about 2.
4. which included about 15 bus companies that have not secured zoning clearances prior to operation and a majority which have not been issued Mayor’s permits to operate. Businesses and legitimate residents of Pasay City area also worried about the increasing number of illegal dwellers that have taken over many public and private properties. the tricycle drivers were organized and had their own terminals.5
Key Players in the Local Economy There are several key players or groups that drive and sustain the city’s economic activities. five were vocational schools and six were flying schools.

residents and business owners have voiced concern over the city’s lack of will to enforce land-use and development plans. the two are considered very influential in the city’s economic and political sustainability.5. As organizations of the city’s employers. which had an initial membership of 100 businessmen. and the numerous venues for shows at the Cultural Center of the
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. Cultural attractions include the Nayong Pilipino at the airport area that showcases miniature versions of real natural attractions in the Philippines.5. the city government is not aware why certain businesses in their jurisdiction close shops despite the large number of consumers.378.pasay. While it is not mandated for the city government to control the lease rates imposed by owners of business structures. The other one is the more recently organized Pasay City Chamber of Commerce.6
Tourism There are numerous recreational and cultural destinations that attract local visitors and foreign tourists. The privately-owned public market has a floor space of about 500 square meters. They locate somewhere else where they could afford the lease of commercial space. The government public market is a 13. The market vendors in the Pasay City Public Market are organized and have formed themselves into an association of about 500 members.
4.47 square meter two-story structure that provides livelihood to some 1. having such information could somehow ease the burden of local investors in looking for modest business locations within their means.
4. Pasay City has a public market operated by the city government and another owned by a private enterprise.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
contributed to the rising costs of water and electricity consumption of business enterprises and legitimate residents who have been forced to subsidize their consumption from illegal connections. such could adversely affect the city government’s income and result in the loss of jobs among some of its residents.gov. As in many urban centers in the Philippines.500 stall holders.3
The Public Market
The public market is an important facilitator of trade and a great provider of employment. The city government could be ahead of its neighbors if it could provide information on the prevailing lease rates and business maps within its jurisdiction as an added service to prospective investors.2
The Chambers of Commerce
Pasay City has two chambers of commerce and industry. their capacity to influence market prices cannot be ignored. Lastly.ph
. Should numerous investors decide to relocate their business operations. The older one is the Chinese Chamber of Commerce whose membership is exclusive to Chinese businessmen.
4. Although the market vendors belong to the lowest layer of commodity distribution.

corn. clothing and wearing apparel. vinegar. garlic. ginger. the largest portions of its lands have been used for utilities.7
Economic Interdependence Because of the city’s prime location. Traders from this region directly supply the city residents of different consumable items like rice. Pasay City can be considered the entry point of goods from the Visayas and Mindanao. it is known that they sourced from various regions. beef. tubers. which is the favorite recreational destination by people during the Christmas season. People from Bataan. Cavite and Mindoro.ph
. Pasay City becomes a place of residence when they do business in Metro Manila. canned goods. salt. The products mostly come from Rizal. dressed and live chicken. processed foods. It also supports the tourism industry in Metro Manila and the nearby provinces in Southern Luzon as it has 20 hotels that accommodate foreign and local tourists. Such a limitation has forced the city to accept economic interdependence. Through the traders from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija. fruit and leafy vegetables. pork. pork and chicken. ready-to-wear (RTWs) dresses and slippers. fruit and leaf vegetables. like paper. They are accommodated in lodging houses for them to enjoy the convenience of working in corporate offices and national government agencies in nearby cities of Manila. hardware and construction items. Pasay City has a key role in the Philippine tourism industry. Although there is no hard data on the volume of incoming commodities. coffee.gov.pasay. dried fish. Based on interviews with market vendors. Pasay City is dependent on the following regions:  Other Metro Manila LGUs. cuttlery. fruits. food condiments. Through the various dealers.
City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. fish. cabbage. among others. Laguna. as it hosts the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and thus serves as the country’s international gateway. The reclamation area is also home to Star City. The ferry terminal beside the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas also serves as the jump-off point to the historical island of Corregidor. Pampanga and Tarlac also trade their wares in the city.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
Philippines (CCP) Complex. Makati and Parañaque. coconut and by-products. food delicacies. producers operating in the industrial areas of the NCR supply different manufactured products for consumption in offices and households in the city. residential and commercial activities. onions. fresh fish. Residents in other regions also find work in industries established in the city. citrus and delicacies. Southern Tagalog Region. the region is a regular supplier of rice. Two of the more popular goods are textiles and cutlery from the Muslim provinces. As the location of the domestic airport. It lacks the space production for the production of food and the other basic necessities of its people.
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The commodities and goods flowing in the city also come from other areas in the Philippines. In exchange.
4. cooking utensils. textiles. Central Luzon.

City Planning and Development Office
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The Official Website of Pasay City www. a city planning and development office that issues development permits.City of Pasay SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE
4. It was felt.gov. and a business licensing office that grant business permits and licenses. that a business development office that will coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry.8
Appraisal of LGU in Managing the Local Economy The Local Government Code of 1991 has prescribed the basic organizational structure of the local government units nationwide. It has an office of the cooperatives that caters to micro enterprises established by cooperatives as well as a tourism office that caters to tourists and prospective investors. and business associations would be needed for the city to coordinate and attract more local investments.pasay. However. the chambers of commerce. however.ph
. It has an engineering office that checks the adequacy of structures. The city government has several offices that are responsible for providing services in assisting the investors. Board of Investments. it does not impose restrictions on the creation of departments which are necessary for the delivery of services to the public.